Religious Education classes for grades 6-11 and Confirmation prep. meets on Wednesday nights from 7:15-8:30 pm.

Each year of Religious Education class builds on the year before.  Described below are the general focus and topics for each grade level.  It is hoped that awareness of what your child is learning will help you to discuss in your own home what is talked about during structured class time.

Grade 6

“Exploring the Story of Israel” This text acquaints students with the story of the people of Israel as recorded in the Jewish Scriptures (Old Testament) and with the major themes that permeate these Scriptures. “Being Catholic” This text identifies specific aspects of Catholicism, enables adolescents to consider what it means to be a Catholic Christian, and helps them integrate a sense of Catholic identity with their identity as persons.

Grade 7

“Gathering to Celebrate” This text helps young people understand and appreciate the Church's seven sacraments as rites that celebrate Christ's living presence and activity within the community of faith.  "Living Our Faith: Church History - Our Christian Story"   This text tells the story of our Church from the events of the Old Testament to the role of the Church in today's society. Like our personal histories, the history of the Church is filled with hope and despair, kindness and cruelty, crisis and reconciliation.

Grade 8

“Meeting Jesus” This text helps to clarify students’ understanding of Jesus and his message and encourages them to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus through prayer. "Living Our Faith: Morality - Challenges and Choices" This text invites the students to reflect on their values, self-image, and relationships. As the subtitle suggests, each day brings new opportunities to live out our faith. The decisions we make determine who we are and who we will become.

Grade 9-11

“The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth” This text directly complements the scriptural wisdom contained in The Catholic Youth Bible by offering a rich history of the Catholic Tradition.  With clear, concise information about the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church--organized to parallel the Catechism of the Catholic Church so that young people can appreciate the richness of Catholic teaching--this handbook is the most comprehensive available. Teens will appreciate the articles and stories that shed light on issues important to them.  Each grade will focus on a different set of topics:

Grade 9: Creed and Prayer

Grade 10: Leadership and Justice & Service

Grade 11 (Confirmation preparation): Sacraments, Evangelization, and Community Life; juniors will also finish their service hours, attend a retreat, and have one-on-one interviews as part of their immediate preparation for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation (please see the confirmation link for more information).

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected of all students.  Parents are asked to call the religious education office (674-5433) at least 1/2 hour before class if a student will be absent or tardy.  If a student is not present at class, and has not been previously excused, parents will be called to determine whether or not they know of the absence.  If a student accumulates more than two (2) absences in a semester, parents or guardians will be notified to discuss making up missed materials.